Massachusetts reporter Joe Reppucci's news and resources for those who love pets

The Ruff Report: Dogs and Safety

About this blog

Joe Reppucci of Lexington, Mass., writes about dogs and keeping them a healthy part of the family. He has worked as a reporter and editor on major daily newspapers in the Boston area for more than 30 years and is a graduate of Lexington High School
...

Joe Reppucci of Lexington, Mass., writes about dogs and keeping them a healthy part of the family. He has worked as a reporter and editor on major daily newspapers in the Boston area for more than 30 years and is a graduate of Lexington High School and of Suffolk University in Boston. He writes often about nutrition, behavior and saving money on pet supplies and insurance.

Your pet could be in danger of getting lost, injured or even killed unless you make proper preparations before hitting the road or hopping on a plane for the Thanksgiving weekend, the busiest four-day travel period of the year, a leading animal welfare agency warns.

The American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals advises pet parents to make sure their companions have proper identification, are healthy enough to make the trip and to bring all pet medications.

THE HUNT OF HER LIFE,a full-color book by newspaper journalistand MySetterSam.com publisher Joseph A. Reppucci, is must reading for animal lovers of all ages. It has 60 color photos of dogs to illustrate the compelling story of Samantha, an unwanted rescue dog adopted at age 2 by Mr. Reppucci. Travel with themalong a trail of life filled with surprising twists, sudden turns, mystery and even what some call a miracle. And when the journey is finished, you may never look at people and their pets, motherhood - and perhaps even God - in the same way.THE HUNT OF HER LIFEwill take you on a captivating journey - a trip like no other - that will touch your heart.

“Traveling can be highly stressful, both for you and your animal companions," ASPCA executive vice president Stephen Zawistowski states in a media release. "With thoughtful preparation, you can ensure a safe and comfortable trip for everyone.”Using products designed for pet travel - such as car safety seats and harnesses, anti-spill travel bowls, first aid kits and car travel ID tags - can make the trip much more comfortable for pets and their owners, Dr. Zawistowski says.

“The increase in products specifically geared for pet travel and safety has made the experience that much easier for pet parents,” Dr. Zawistowski said. “It’s all the more reason families should take precautions to ensure that their pet’s travel is trouble-free.”A visit to the veterinarian prior to the trip is a must, according to the ASPCA, to ensure a pet is up-to-date on vaccinations and to obtain flea/tick prevention and heart-worm medications. Pet parents should get a health certificate dated within 10 days of air travel and ask about any particular parasites or health risks that might be associated with the planned destination.

Air Travel

Here are some tips from the ASPCA for air travel with a pet:

Your pet should always wear a collar and identification tag with an address or cell phone number where you can be reached. Additionally, you should display a current photograph on your pet’s carrier and write the name, address, and telephone number of the person receiving the animal at your destination.

Purchase a USDA-approved shipping crate. It should be large enough for your pet to comfortably stand, sit and turn around in. Write “Live Animal” in large letters on at least two sides of the crate, and use arrows to indicate the upright position of the crate. Make sure the door is securely closed, but not locked, so airline personnel can open it in an emergency.

Book a direct flight if possible to decrease your pet’s chances of being left on a tarmac or outside during extreme weather conditions. Tell every airline employee you encounter, on the ground and in the air, that you are traveling with a pet in the cargo hold. This way, they will be ready if any additional considerations or attention is needed.

Automobile travel

Here are some tips from the ASPCA for automobile travel with a pet:

Keep your pet in a well-ventilated crate or carrier. Make sure it is large enough for your pet to stand, sit, lie down and turn around in.

Outfit your dog with a harness and safety belt if your pet is riding in a seat. This will keep you pet secure in case of sudden stops or changes in direction.

Don't allow your pet to ride with his head outside the window. He could be injured by flying objects.

Cats should always be in a carrier.

Never leave your pet alone in a parked vehicle. On a hot day, even with the windows open, a parked automobile can become a furnace in minutes, resulting in heatstroke for your pet. In cold weather, a car can act as a refrigerator, holding in the cold and causing the animal to freeze to death.

Bring bottled water or tap water from your home stored in plastic jugs for your pet. Drinking different water can cause your pet to get an upset stomach.